Archive for 'Myth busters'
Myth Bust: Reports that Defra is proposing to cull buzzards
The Myth: There have been recent reports that Defra is proposing to cull buzzards or is about to implement a new policy to control their numbers. The Truth: Defra is absolutely not proposing to cull buzzards or any other raptors. We work on the basis of sound evidence. This is why we want to find [...]
Myth bust: Daily Telegraph claim on household bin collections
The myth: In a story about recycling collection in Cornwall, today’s Daily Telegraph incorrectly claims that Defra is pushing local authorities to have complicated recycling systems and threatening to ban certain waste from being sent to landfill. The truth: This is simply not true. We are not interfering in how councils decide to collect peoples’ [...]
Myth bust: Daily Mail claims about the need for standpipes
The myth: The Daily Mail makes the inaccurate claim that the Secretary of State ‘added to the confusion over water restrictions’ following an interview with the BBC Inside Out Programme, and suggested that standpipes would be likely. The truth: There is no confusion. We’ve had a record amount of rainfall in April, but we need [...]
Myth bust: Daily Telegraph makes claims about dangerous dogs rules
The myth: The Daily Telegraph has reported that homeowners could be prosecuted if their dogs attack burglars as a result of the proposed changes to the dangerous dogs law. The truth: Law abiding home owners will not be penalised and burglars will not be protected. Our proposed extension of the law is to protect innocent [...]
Myth bust: Observer and BBC report claims on badger culling
The myth: The Observer and BBC have reported claims that Ministers have ignored scientists’ advice that a cull of badgers will have a marginal effect on bovine TB and that the cull could spread TB in cattle if farmers fail to oversee it effectively. The truth: Natural England’s advice has been in the public domain for over six months [...]
Myths busted: Schmallenberg virus
The myth: a comment piece in the Daily Telegraph suggests that the Schmallenberg virus was brought into the UK from live imports and not from midges. The truth: All the evidence currently suggests that the disease was brought into the UK from infected midges blown across the Channel. We have seen no evidence to suggest that [...]
Myth bust: Daily Telegraph claim that planning regulations will be relaxed in National Parks
The myth: The Daily Telegraph has today said that planning regulations in National Parks could be relaxed and that Ministers want to add a third purpose of sustainable development to the duties of the parks. The truth: This is just not true. There are no plans to relax planning laws in National Parks. They are [...]
Myth bust: Marketing campaign on Horse Identification rules
The myth: The Sun and Daily Telegraph have suggested that Defra funded a marketing campaign to ask travellers not to eat their own horses. The truth: It was nothing to do with eating horses. The campaign explained changes to EU rules which meant owners needed to have their foals and any previously unidentified horses micro-chipped [...]
Myth bust: The Daily Telegraph on plans to introduce ‘slop buckets’
The Myth: The Daily Telegraph today claims that as part of their “zero waste” policy, the Coalition wants ‘slop buckets’ in every kitchen. The Truth: This is completely and utterly wrong. There is nothing in either the Coalition agreement or in the Government’s Waste Review which supports the Telegraph’s claim. We’ll help councils deliver the [...]
Animal Aid abattoir cruelty footage: myth busted
The myth: Animal Aid has used undercover filming to show abuse at a slaughterhouse, and is criticising Defra for not seeking a prosecution – with the implication that the department does not care about animal welfare. The truth: This is not true. Animal cruelty is completely unacceptable, and we vigorously pursue action wherever we can. [...]